Writer To Speak At Library

David Pesci Wrote `Amistad: A Novel'

David Pesci, who wrote ``Amistad: A Novel,'' is still reeling over the excitement after his work came out in 1997.

``It was much more successful than I ever thought it would be,'' said Pesci, who is from Manchester. He has sold about 70,000 copies so far, and is still selling about 300 copies a week.

Pesci, who received fan letters from some of his personal heroes, including rock star Bruce Springsteen, will discuss his book during a free, public lecture Wednesday, at 6 p.m., in the reading room of the Hartford Public Library.

``People have been incredible,'' he said. ``I thought it would have a Connecticut audience, and instead I've sold 70,000 copies,'' he said with excitement.

Pesci, who began his novel before the movie was developed, said he found the conditions of slaves ``horrifying'' in his studies.

Pesci said he was upset with the portrayal of Roger Sherman Baldwin, who was the attorney for the Amistad slaves. In the movie, Baldwin undergoes a conversion in favor of the crew of the Amistad. But actually, he was behind the crew all the time, Pesci said.

``Spielberg gives him a bad rap, almost like an ambulance chaser, when he did [his defending] for two years for practically nothing,'' Pesci said.

Pesci has traveled to about 600 places for book signings, speeches and talks in New England, New Jersey, New York and even Memphis, Tenn.

Pesci is completing a book on Prudence Crandall, the Canterbury woman ostracized by her neighbors for opening up an academy for black girls in the 19th century.